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Monday, May 16, 2016

Scripture Song: Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd

The day I wrote this music, I was homeless.

My wife and I were staying with a family that helped us for a couple months. We had just taken the biggest step of faith in our entire lives, leaving everything we owned behind to pursue God and His calling, but soon found ourselves on the other side of the Red Sea, three days into the wilderness (so to speak).

I had a confidence deep inside of me that said God was leading us. Still, everything in the natural nagged at my logic, reason, and emotions. I was scared, clinging to the promises of God.

I imagine that's how David felt when he was chased out of town by Saul. Anointed to be king, but hunted like an animal - he lived in caves and out in the wilderness until God's word was fulfilled. I personally think that's when he wrote this psalm - when he was at his lowest.

At least, that's when I wrote it. When I had absolutely nothing but God's promises and a faithful wife who stood by me through through the craziest adventure we could imagine. Looking back, I realize how rich I really was. Am.

I had previously wanted to write Psalm 23, but I honestly felt intimidated. How do you write music to the most time honored and famous Psalm of all time? I didn't feel adequate.

But when I truly felt my lowest. When I had no idea which direction to go. I felt so vulnerable and scared, yet filled with vision and hope and purpose - in the tension of that moment, these beautiful, soothing chords began to flow out of my guitar. Soon, the words matched, and God used my weakness to birth this song.